OGDEN, Utah – The Big Sky Conference reached the conclusion of its countdown of the "50 Greatest" male athletes and moments this week by honoring Great Falls native Dave Dickenson.

Dickenson, a C.M. Russell High graduate and former University of Montana quarterback, was selected as the No. 1 athlete by a panel of former and current coaches, administrators and media members from across the league.

Dickenson, who is currently the offensive coordinator and assistant head coach for the Calgary Stampeders, played at Montana from 1991-95. The former Rustler, who led CMR to back-to-back unbeaten seasons as a star high school QB, was named the Big Sky Offensive MVP three times, won the 1995 Walter Payton Award, and was an Academic All-American. He led Montana to two Big Sky regular-season titles, three playoff appearances, and the 1995 national championship.

In his regular-season career, Dickenson completed 67.3 percent of his passes for 11,080 yards with 96 touchdowns and 26 interceptions. His average of 379.64 passing yards per game in 1995 remains first in league history.

"Part of me chuckles,'' Dickenson said of the honor. "I'm a million percent sure there are better athletes and other people who did more than me. I'm proud of it. I can't say that I don't treasure these types of things. It's nice to be respected for what you did. I think it matters how you carry yourself. I think I did things the right way. No one can ever doubt that I was chemically enhanced. I did it the natural way. I had great success because of heart and mind. You don't have to be physically imposing to be a great athlete. There's a lot of stuff you can't measure.''

The voters selected Montana's football dynasty as the No. 1 moment. Since Washington-Grizzly Stadium opened in 1986, Montana has won two national titles, 15 Big Sky Championships, qualified for the playoffs 20 times, and appeared in seven national championship games.

The Grizzlies enjoyed 26 consecutive winning seasons from 1986-2011, and have compiled an overall record of 270-91 and a conference record of 168-45 from 1986-2013. UM made a record 17 consecutive FCS playoff appearances from 1993-2009, and won or shared 12 straight Big Sky titles from 1998-2009. Montana's 119 victories from 2000-09 led all Division I teams in the decade.

"Our panel faced a very difficult, but rewarding task of selecting the No. 1 athlete and moment over the course of the past 50 years,'' said Big Sky Conference Commissioner Doug Fullerton. "Dave Dickenson is a tremendous choice. He was a fierce competitor, excelled in the classroom, and elevated his teammates. He was also a big part of Montana's success, which has been a major storyline for nearly 30 years. Certainly Washington-Grizzly Stadium's opening in 1986 is a major part of that story, but the program has thrived through the tenures of many head coaches, athletic directors and university presidents. Nearly every FCS school in the nation looks to Montana an example of what it strives to be.''

Last week, the Big Sky Conference concluded its countdown of the top 25 female athletes and moments, as part of its celebration of 25 years of women's athletics. Former Montana Lady Griz basketball player Shannon Cate-Schweyen was selected as the top overall athlete. The No. 1 moment was Stacy Dragila's 2000 gold medal in the pole vault. Dragila, who competed at Idaho State, is considered the first great women's pole vaulter in the sport's history.

"It's been fun over the last several months to read the stories, and see the lists unfold,'' Fullerton said. "I congratulate all of the student-athletes who made the lists. We're very proud that after 50 years the league is still strong and moving forward.''